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South Platte, North Fork - 02. Buffalo Creek to South Platte

South Platte, North Fork, Colorado, US

02. Buffalo Creek to South Platte (Foxton)

Usual Difficulty

III-IV (for normal flows)

Length

7 Miles

Avg. Gradient

60 fpm

Max Gradient

90 fpm

Gauge Information

River Description

Put in about two miles northeast of Buffalo Creek on 96 Road near Ferndale. This road follows the
river for the length of the run. Numerous options for a take out exist downstream below the
junction of 96 and 97 Road. A run all the way to South Platte (N. Fk. and S. Fk. confluence) is
possible. Be careful in the area of the put in. No Tresspassing signs abound. Find a launch area
that is not posted and has parking. Be sure to put in upstream of the boulder garden. It's the
nicest rapid on the run (class IVish). Below the 96/97 intersection, the river narrows somewhat and
becomes mildly continuous as the gradient begins to increase.

Minimum flows are about 300cfs. Minimum recommended flows are 400cfs. Class IV above 600cfs.
Typically, runnable flows are only achieved when West slope water is diverted through the Roberts
tunnel from Dillon Reservoir. May or may not run during normal (snowmelt) paddling season. Possible
off-season potential (May, August, September).

The shuttle roads tend to be extremely dusty and rough. Look out for fisherman. This area tends to
be very busy, especially on summer weekends. Scenery is excellent, but not wilderness. An excellent
technical-intermediate run. Waterton Canyon run is just below the confluence and is also a great
intermediate run if you don't mind using your shoulder for a shuttle.

StreamTeam Status: Not Verified

Last Updated: 2009-02-16 20:20:49

Editors

Rapid Descriptions

No rapids entered. If you know names, and locations of the rapids please contact and advise the StreamTeam member for this run.